The following is a story by my own
nykel, Tai called "Tais Return".
This takes place shortly before "Cyrenźs Tale" .
Same disclaimers apply. I was reading this at the same time I was
writing "Cyrenes Tale", so you will probably see
the influence of my sisters tale as you read. Anyone
wishing to to send feedback may send it to my e-mail address,
QueenLaese@aol.com and I will forward. Thank-you.

The midnight stallion pawed nervously at the ground while the
golden blonde of his mistress' hair blew in the wind. Dressed in
royal blue, her tribe's leader's colors, the young woman watched
the sea's colors change with the onslaught of the coming storm.

She was sure this was the place to meet Lukos. Her visions
told her this was to be the day, the hour, yes even the moment he
would be returned to her, if only for a little while.

She had waited so long; it seemed, forever

Queen Taiytelata of Lycastia, Daughter of Astraea, was unlike
any other stereotypical Amazon. She preferred the company of men.
Although Queen Melysė of the Aemetzainź was her oath sister and
Tai found her extremely intelligent, she found most women
to be tedious in their pettiness and mundane in their
conversation. Because of this and her sadness at losing Lukos,
Taiytelata left her tribe in the hands of her sister Amelea and
had lived in relative solitude raising her twins, Kaiyte and
Telaros. Her only woman visitor, besides her blood sister and her
companion Mikala, was Melysė her chosen and faithful sister.

Melysė had come by that morning, personally, entreating her
dearest friend to return to her duties and lead her tribe against
an ancient warlord, Grabthar. Tai had no heart for warfare.
She, like Melysė, preferred the quiet study of healing and
magic. However, she couldn't deny the pleadings of her oath
sister. But before she could fulfill her pledge to her sister,
she had one undertaking left to fulfill before she could join the
Queen of the Aemetzainź. That was one of the heart.

Lukos was her mate, her soul, her heart, her everything. They
had met during the time of Atlantis when she had traveled back in
time to retrieve an antidote to cure Lysė of a terrible
disease that had spread throughout the tribe. When she arrived in
Atlantis it was to find she, too, had contracted the disease.
Lukos had cured her of the disease and during her recovery they
had fallen in love. She chose to marry him instead of pledging
herself to a consort. Tai needed to return to her time to
give the antidote to her sister, Melysė. Lukos stayed behind and
she had intended to return to him but found it was too late -
because unbeknownst to both of them this was the time just before
the fall of Atlantis and it had sunk into the Aegean Sea. Tai
prayed to Hekate, the Goddess of all, that Lukos be spared. In
order to ease her mind, Hekate told Tai, in visions, of how
she would see her true heart and soul mate again, if only
briefly.

Up until this time while she waited on the beach, Tai
lost herself in her sadness at losing Lukos. Even the happiness
of giving birth to Lukos and her twins did not quiet the tumult
she felt at the loss. She hadn't wanted to listen to Hekate or
Melysė for seven years as they tried to reason with her, to
understand this pain she felt deep inside. She had given him up
as Atlantis sank and though Tai would never have forsaken
Lysė she still harbored thoughts of dissatisfaction at
what had occurred.

She loved Lukos as no other and Tai had prayed to the
Goddess to strengthen her resolve to stay with Melysė and train
in the temple rather than run and hide in sorrow. Tai did
finish her training and returned to her tribe to lead as Queen;
only to find that after the birth of her babies that she had no
will to lead a tribe of Amazons. Tai felt she needed to
leave for a time escape from her duties and to meditate which led
to her honing her skills as a healer and wielder of magic. Tai
always had the gift and had been trained early on by the tribe's
healer, but since she had been alone her skills had become so
perfected that she had no trouble reading, or feeling for that
matter, anyone's emotions or well being. Tai was truly an
empath. She could now draw from others their pain and agony,
release them from it, strengthen them and return them all the
better for it.

Now as she sat upon her stallion watching the sea as it
changed color, all of it seemed unimportant except the thought of
seeing her Lukos for one last time. As a shadow of shimmer hit
the water Tai dismounted and Hekate stepped forward to
embrace her child. "Daughter, it is good to see you. You
have more color to your cheeks since last we spoke. Do you fare
well?"

"Yes, Mother. I am happy this day has finally come. I'm
only sorry it is a time of storms," replied Tai.

"Yes, storms. Taiytelata there is one last thing before
you see him. You will only have until tomorrow at the hour of
night to day. Be careful that you do not upset the time line. You
may not warn him of the coming storm. You may not tell Lukos what
you know. I will also tell you this; someone of great importance
seeks you. Take the time to speak with him. It will be hard to
take the time from Lukos but it is vital to your wellbeing and
understanding of the changes that are about to take place within
you. I go now to open the door."

"Mother, wait. What do you mean I cannot let Lukos know.
Know what?"

"My daughter, be at peace. Time is fluid. I am bringing
him forward as a gift to you. For now he will be alive, but in
our time he is no more. I have chosen a time that was before his
death. He knows nothing of the fall of Atlantis." Hekate
placed her arms around her daughter and held her for a moment.
"Be strong, Taiytelata. All will be well."

Hekate turned and walked into the shimmer. Tai turned to
her stallion Mirth whispering in his ear to stay. He nuzzled her
ear as if to say, "be at peace my friend." Tai
followed the Goddess to the edge of the sea. In the distance she
saw her friend Dolphinium jumping out of the water as if giving
her strength for what was ahead. She waved and sent her thoughts
back to him in the old tongue. He swam off into the horizon
sending her thoughts of love and peace and strength.

Hekate did not return, but out of the shimmer stood Lukos. Her
Lukos, hardly changed and infinitely more wonderful than she
remembered.

"Tai? Tai!" Lukos grabbed her and swung
her around kissing her as her feet hit the sand. "What
happened? Where did you go? Where are we?"

Laughing and crying at the same time Tai hugged him back
kissing him with an abandonment that left him breathless.
"Lukos you knew that I had to return to Lysė to give
her the antidote. I tried to return but . . . I found I couldn't.
The time rift closed behind me and I couldn't reopen it."
She invented quickly. "I'm so happy to see you, it's been so
long."

"Tai, my heart, it's only been a day since you
left." Lukos said with a smile.

"A day?" wondered Tai then remembered when she
left him. "Of course, a day. It just seems like an eternity
when I am not with you. As to the where, the Goddess allowed you
to visit my time until tomorrow at the eve of the new day. Come,
my stallion is just there and we can go to my cottage. I have
some friends I'd like you to meet."

"Friends at a time like this? I have a better idea for
now." Said Lukos. "It's been a whole day and night
since we loved. There is no one around, do you not think that . .
."

Tai thought for a brief moment. "Why not? You are
right there is no one else around and Goddess I have missed you
so! Let's go out into the grotto. It reminds me of the place
where we made love the first time."

Tai and Lukos divested themselves of their clothing and
entered the water swimming a little ways towards the grotto that
edged the shore. Tai had hungered for this moment for so
long that she could hardly contain her passion for her husband.
The time they had was so precious she felt they needed to make
the most of every moment.

Afterwards, the two of them returned to the beach out of
breath and happily drying each other off. "You get better
with age, my love," teased Lukos.

"It's been a while, dear heart," replied Tai
"but you, you are by far the best."

"Best?" replied Lukos cocking an eyebrow. "I'd
better be the only one so far."

"Ah, my love, you are the one and only of my heart and
soul," Tai answered him caressing his face with her
fingertips. "Come, let us go home." They both mounted
Mirth and started towards the cottage.

As they rode along, the rain started to fall. Tai didn't
mind the rain; in fact she reveled in it. Water to her was
healing, hoping, and trust. Water was all. They were almost to
her small stone cottage when a rather tall man with a snow-white
beard came out of nowhere. Mirth stopped abruptly jolting Tai
and Lukos in the saddle.

"Mirth, whatever is the matter?" asked Tai.

"I am the matter mistress," answered the stranger.
"I seek shelter from the storm. Do you know where I might
find some?"

"Just below this hill is a tavern with rooms to let. A
friend of mine, named Meg, runs it. You will find her most
congenial. Tell her Tai sent you."

"Tai? That will be fine. I thank you for your
courtesy, mistress," said the stranger gratefully.

Tai looked behind her to Lukos, but he was patting Mirth
and not seeming to pay attention. "You are welcome,
sir." Tai hesitated a moment then asked, "Are you
the one I am to expect?"

"I would like to get out of this rain," said the
stranger avoiding her question. "I bid you farewell, fair
lady and sir."

"Of course. I am sorry for detaining you in this weather.
Just continue on down this path," said Tai watching as
he walked on. There was something familiar about him. It was as
if she had seen him . . . she had seem him in a dream. As
soon as she thought it, the thought left her and Tai
continued on to the cottage. When they arrived, they dismounted
and Tadius, her houseman, took her stallion to the barn. Tai
and Lukos entered the cottage to find the two children running
around a woman who was laughing gleefully watching them.

"Mikala, I'm back. How were the children for you?"
Tai deliberately did not look at Lukos for fear of what she
might see. She felt his awe and confusion, but not enlightenment.

"Kaiyte and Telaros were wonderfully well behaved as
usual, Tai. We just finished our studies and have energy to
spare, methinks," answered Mikala. "I will go now to
tend to your dinner if you like. Anything you especially wish
for?"

"Anything will be fine, Mikala, thank you." Tai
looked at Lukos who was still staring at the children in awe.
"Lukos, do you remember when you said it was a day to
you?"

Lukos nodded his head. "Well, my heart, it has been seven
years for me." Tai said quietly. "Lukos, these
are your children, Kaiyte Mariyte and Lukos Telaros. I found when
I came back that I was with children." Smiling Tai
asked the children to come and meet Lukos.

Lukos was astounded - seven years and he had children . . .
him? How was it possible? Why? When? He turned to Taiytelata and
asked, "When, how, why didn't you tell me?"

"Lukos, my heart, I could no longer see you because the
door was closed." Hekate, as a favor to me, brought you back
for one last time. After this brief time I cannot see you again.
The time band only allows so much travel I'm told." Said Tai
sadly.

Lukos looked at her stunned. No, this was not possible. And
the children . . . Lukos looked at the children then turned to
Tai. "They are such lovely children. Kaiyte looks like
a miniature version of you and Telaros looks like I did as a
child. They are beautiful Tai and I thank you for
them." He put his arms around Tai hugging her closely
to him.

"Children, this is your father. Remember how I told you
that some day you'd meet him? This is Lukos." Tai said
smiling separating herself a little from Lukos. "Can you say
hello to him?"

"Hello, Father," said Telaros with a stiff little
bow and a tiny smile. "How do you fare?"

"I fare well, Telaros, thank you. How do you fare?"
answered Lukos with equal formality and with a tiny smile of his
own.

"I fare well, too, Father. Thank you," Telaros said.
"I am awfully glad to meet you. Meia told us you live
somewhere else." Telaros suddenly hugged his father then ran
to Tai hugging her his face in her cloak.

"My name is Kaiyte Mariyte. I have blue eyes like yours. Meia
says you are the nicest man she has ever met. Are you going to
stay forever?"

"I wish I could Kaiyte. But I'm told I can only stay
until mid of night," answered Lukos. Kaiyte went up to him,
looked him in the eyes, put her hands one on each side of his
face and closed her eyes for a moment.

"He's sad, Meia. I can make you feel better,
Father." Before Tai could stop her young daughter,
Kaiyte hugged him gently and as she did so a soft warm glow
encircled both her and Lukos. When she let him go she looked at
him again and announced, "You are not so sad anymore are
you?"

"No . . . no I'm not, Kaiyte. What did you just do?"
asked Lukos with a bewildered expression.

"Children, it is time for you to wash for supper. Please
go with Tadius while I talk with your father," ordered Tai.
The children turned obediently to go when Kaiyte looked over her
shoulder at her mother.

"It seems that Kaiyte has inherited my gift of empathic
healing," she answered. "I am going to have to start
training her and see how much of my gift she has inherited.

"You have been through this all alone without me to
support you. And when I leave this night, you will be alone
again," Lukos said softly shaking his head. "I am so
sorry for that."

"I've never been alone, truly. My oath sister Melysė is
always there in my thoughts. We are able to speak to one another
with our thoughts from great distances. My blood sister Amelea
visits with me and I have Mikala who helps with the children and
my training. I chose to be alone to practice my arts to be a
stronger person for the people of this village. I am their
healer."

"Healer? Have you chosen to be a physician, Tai,
like I am?" asked Lukos. "If you came back with me to
Atlantis with the children, we could be so happy. We could heal
the sick together and have more children."

"More children? Well, that can be arranged if we keep up
what we did the first time we saw each other this
afternoon," laughed Tai. "As far as returning
with you to Atlantis, I'm afraid I cannot. That door is closed to
me now. But we will speak of it later. Come, I think Mikala has
supper for us. Come, children." Kaiyte and Telaros followed
their parents into the dining area.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At Meg's tavern, the stranger entered and was greeted by the
owner. "Well, howdy stranger. What can we do for you?"

"If you are Meg, Tai sent me," replied the
Stranger.

"Tai, huh? Well, come on in before you soak my
curtain here. Come on. What did she send you here for? A room, a
bottle of my best, a girl?"

"A room, thank you, Meg. If you have a hot meal that
would be appreciated as well," answered the stranger.

"We have one that just became available and a hot meal is
a yes, too. Where'd ya meet Tai? She ain't one for talkin'
much. Great healer, though. I had a monstrous headache one-day
and she put some of those herbs together and whoosh no more
headache. She's got a touch that is golden"

"On the road to the village."

"What's that?"

"You asked me where I met Tai and I said on the
road to the village," answered the stranger shaking the rain
off of his hat. "It's pretty wet for a ride."

"Tai is always one who enjoys a good rain. Melysė,
her "oath" sister she calls her, use to not be able to
get her out of it when they were small. Did ya know that Tai
can talk to fish? Yep, she made friends with one of them there
dolphins and lived on the water for a while. She's special, she
is."

"Yes." The stranger looked very long into Meg's
eyes, then smiled. "My room, please, Meg. I am very wet and
very tired."

"Surely. What name should I put down."

"Myrlion. I am called Myrlion," answered the
stranger.

"Myr . . . uh lion? Myrlion. Hmmm. What kind of name is
that exactly?" asked Meg curiously as she showed him the way
to the rooms above. "Not from around here I bet."

"No, much farther to the north, dear lady. And your rain
is a bit warmer than Britannia," said Myrlion as he followed
her. "It is not so cold to these old bones."

"Britannia? Oh ho! That's a far bit of traveling."

"Not really. I have a way of getting where I'm going
quickly, Meg. Much thanks for letting me stay," said Myrlion
gratefully as they reached his room. "I really could use the
rest."

"You let me know what else you need when I bring up your
supper. It isn't much tonight due to the storm always blowin' out
my fire. But it should be edible. I'm known for my wild boar stew
and a bit of the grape," said Meg proudly.

"Thank you, Meg both would be appreciated," said
Myrlion. He shut the door as Meg turned to leave. He looked
around the room of the tavern and used a binding spell to keep
the elements out further. He used a repel spell to keep the wind
from blowing out Meg's fire then lie down on the bed and closed
his eyes. Myrlion concentrated on Taiytelata. He could feel her
essence even from here. He wanted to contact her earlier, when
she had reached the age of ascendancy, but time prevented him. If
he was going to keep the ancient evil from causing great grief,
they were going to need Tai's skills. Already her oath
sister had brought her back for one of those battles. Would Tai
listen to him? Would she recognize him? He had put a memory charm
on her and her mother to stop the pain of loss. He became lost in
his thoughts and did not here the quiet knock at first.

"Sir? Mister Myrlion, sir?" inquired a small, shy
voice.

"Yes, please enter," answered Myrlion getting up
from his bed.

"Mistress Meg sent me to give you your supper. She was
able to heat it up. Strange thing that. The wind isn't coming
through the roof opening. The fire is so cheerful now."

"Thank you miss. What is your name?" asked Myrlion.

"Clandia, sir," she said curtseying. "Is there
anything else in which I might serve you?"

"No, but my thanks for asking," replied Marylyn.

"Well, then I must go because I need to finish washing
the dishes, sir. If you leave your plate outside the door, I will
come and get it later and not have to disturb you. Have a good
night, sir."

"Thank you again, Clandia. Good night." The door
closed behind her and Myrlion started to eat. Meg was right, this
was very tasty. After he finished his supper he washed up and lay
back down on the bed. Soon he was in a state of deep meditation.
His spirit flew across the village to Tai's cottage.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tai awoke with a start. She looked over at the sleeping
form of her beloved husband then realized someone else was in the
room. She also realized that it did not have flesh. At first she
was frightened, then after calming her spirit she knew whom it
was without reservation.

"It's you."

"Taiytelata, we must speak together. I have much to tell
you."

Tai put her finger to her lips and motioned him out of
the bedchamber into the living area. "I cannot be seen by
anyone other than you, Tai," said Myrlion.

"Yes, that may be true, but I do not want Lukos thinking
I am mad talking to myself," smiled Tai. "Now
suppose you tell me what it is you want of me."

"There is a storm brewing over the earth."

"Storms are always coming and going, sir. But all over
the earth at one time?" asked Tai skeptically.

"Let me start at the beginning. I am a wizard. I am the
oldest of all the wizards. We are immortal beings who fight the
ancient evil. You were to be told of your immortality when you
reached the age of ascendancy, but I wanted to keep you safe
until the need was imperative. I made you sleep and put a memory
spell on you to make you think it was a dream. Tai have you
not wondered how you came into your powers at such a young age?
Has it not seemed strange to you that you have the ability to
cross time lines and not upset the time continuum? Have you not
wondered why you can speak the language of creation? You talk to
dolphins. You talk to your friend in thought. This is not
something that happens to just anyone. You are one of a small
number of beings who were designated by the Creator to be
fighters of evil," explained Myrlion.

"Immortal? How is that possible? I was ill and Lukos
cured me."

"You can be ill. But you would not have died. If you had
not traveled back to Atlantis, your beloved friend and oath
sister would have died and the darkness would have won. She has a
great destiny as you have. You did it out of love. Tai, I
will be here for a while. After Lukos returns to his time, we
will talk again."

Tai pondered this for a moment then said, "Lukos
had to die, didn't he? He needed to die."

Myrlion looked at her. "We will speak more of this later.
Get some rest. You do not have much time with him. Make the most
of it. Goodnight, my child. Sleep well."

"Good-night, Myrlion." Myrlion's spirit vanished in
front of her.

Tai returned to the bedchamber waking up Lukos. Lukos
looked into her eyes and took Tai into his arms sighing
with pleasure at the thought of sharing their love one more time
this evening.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next morning found Tai gazing out over the ocean
from the back of her cottage. In the distance Dolphinium was
standing out of the water dancing backwards singing to her. Tai
laughed sending her thanks to her sea friend. Dolphinium spoke to
her, "Tai, you knew all along did you not? Did you not
tell me of the dream you had where a man with a white beard came
to tell you about your immortality? Why are you so pensive?
Rejoice and be glad thereof for today begins a journey unlike any
other."

Tai sighed, "Dolphie, I am pensive because it takes
me from the peace and quiet of my village life. I cannot fully
protect my children if I am always going into battle. It is the
reason I chose to stay hidden from view."

"You were never destined to have a life of quiet
solitude, Taiytelata. I tried to tell you that when you came to
live with us on the sea all those years ago. You chose not to
listen when we talked of your dream three years hence from your
journey with us," admonished Dolphinium.

"I was hoping that it would not be necessary for me to
fight in wars of any kind. Mikala has trained me to be a healer
and healer I intend to be," Tai said with a note of
defiance in her thoughts. "I need to go in to break fast
with my family. Try to understand, Dolphie, I want what I have
now."

"I will go back to the pod and let them know how you
fare, Tai," sighed Dolphinium. "May I send
greetings back with me from you?"

"As always Dolphie, give them my love," Tai
replied.

"You may not believe this now, my old friend, but you
will make a different decision and it will be sooner than you
think. My love goes with you," said Dolphinium as he turned
and swam away from her.

Tai felt tears in her eyes as she watched her friend
swimming quickly towards the horizon. She knew he was right. But
what right had anyone to upset the joy of this moment in time
with Lukos and the children. Tai turned and went into the
cottage. As she entered the doorway she heard the sound of
laughter from the dining chamber. Lukos was teaching the children
how to break an egg with one hand. The sweet moment brought more
tears to Tai's eyes and they threatened to spill over down
her cheeks. She rubbed her hands over her eyes, took a deep
breath, and walked into the cottage.

Lukos looked up as she entered the room. "You were up
early, my love. Do you fare as well this morn as I?"

Tai smiled at him dropping a kiss gently on his
forehead, "Yes, my heart, I fare very well. Now, with what
have those little ones decided they want to break fast?"

"We want what father is making for us," announced
Telaros.

"Yes," agreed Kaiyte.

"Alright, proceed, Lukos. I am going in to speak with
Mikala. It will let you spend more time alone with the
children," said Tai leaving a happy Lukos and cheerful
twins.

Tai went into Mikala's sleep chamber to speak about the
night before. "Mikala, I am troubled."

"Troubled? You find Myrlion's visit troubling do you?
Why?"

Tai smiled at her mentor's questions not surprised she
knew about last night. "I do not wish to leave the life I
have here for one of battles against the dark side. The children
are to be protected from this evil world."

"Taiytelata! Have I taught you nothing? Have you
forgotten your gift? You have been handed an opportunity to help
others to see the light. The children need to be protected yes,
but they also need to learn how to protect themselves against
evil. If they stay here it will only keep them naļve and
helpless against those who would oppose the light and goodness. I
cannot allow you to do that anymore. It isn't safe for you, the
children, Lukos, your tribe, or this village for that
matter," said Mikala forcefully. "You are being
selfish!"

"Selfish?" Tai asked astounded. "I
thought I was been selfless giving up the tribe for one of quiet
healing."

"You are only fooling yourself if you believe that Tai.
You know you wanted out when you thought you lost Lukos for good.
You are an immortal, Taiytelata. You can cross lines of time and
space if you choose to - to any given moment in time. Do you
think that you cannot cross those lines anytime or call him to
you? Do you not realize that . . ." Mikala was interrupted
by Myrlion who said:

"Halt and cease, Mikala. She is not to know all at this
point. It will serve no purpose to our fight."

"I am sorry, Myrlion. Forgive me. I only thought it might
help her to understand her capabilities."

"Her sacrifice cannot be made with too much
knowledge," answered Myrlion.

"You realize of course how rude it is to talk of me as if
I am not here," said Tai archly. "Fine don't tell
me anything more. I do not think I could handle it anyway. What
exactly do you want from me, Myrlion? I thought we weren't going
to talk until Lukos left tonight."

"Things have changed. Come with me to the Aemetzainė
village now."

"No," answered Tai

"No?" Myrlion repeated. "No?"

"No. Lukos is here. When he goes I will come with you,
but not before."

"Taiytelata, if you do not come now, all will be
lost," said Mikala.

Tai closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment. She
looked as if she was listening then opened her eyes. "No,
all will not be lost, Mikala. Lysė says that I have time.
Grabthar has not made a move towards her village. She and Xena
feel that there is nothing to be gained by rushing in at this
time. I will wait."

"Mikala, I would like a word with Tai alone if I
may," asked Myrlion.

Mikala nodded slowly then moved into the outer chamber
following the sound of the children and Lukos' laughter. She
turned her head and said:

"Tai, you have a duty."

"Yes, I do, to my family. Can you not understand that my
family comes first above all else?" asked Tai.
Silently Mikala left the room.

Myrlion looked at Tai for a moment and said quietly,
"Can you feel Grabthar's heart? Can you tell if Melysė and
Xena are right in their summation of what is occurring?"

Tai stood quietly with her hands at her side. In her
mind she flew across space and time to where the heart of
Grabthar was. She saw him clearly. Red beard, red hair, filthy
dirty from traveling - a big beast of a man. Tai saw into
his heart and soul. "He is thinking of me. They are not
pleasant thoughts. How he knows of me, I do not understand but he
is in no rush. He thinks no he seems to know he will win,
and will wait." Tai opened her eyes to look at
Myrlion. "You taught me how to do that, didn't you? I know
you I have known you before this time. I know who you are.
You left us to fight . . . you left us."

"Tai, we need to plan. We do not have the time for
this."

"If Mikala is right. I have all the time in the world.
Who are you? Are you my father?" asked Tai.

"Tai? The children are waiting for you to eat with
us," said Lukos entering Mikala's chamber. Noticing Myrlion
he continued, "Hello again. It is nice to see you. Have you
broken fast yet? Can we offer you some food? There is
plenty."

"No, thank you. Tai, you and I will speak again,
later."

"Are you? Answer me," said Tai as if the
conversation hadn't been interrupted.

"Yes," answered Myrlion and with that he vanished
from sight.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A thick mist shrouded the enemy camp outside the Aemetzainź
village. Every so often a great roar of displeasure emanated from
the largest of the tents. Melysė and Xena looked over the field
from the hill beyond.

"That mist should keep them in confusion for a
while," observed Xena.

"I think that is what Tai had in mind when she
wielded it," said Lysė.

"Tai did this? How? She's leagues away from
here."

"Tai is a master magic wielder - although even I am
impressed at the magnitude of power this entails. My sister is
stronger than even I imagined," Melysė said softly.
"Wait - I hear her."

Melysė closed her green eyes concentrating hard. Xena looked
over at her a slight frown upon her forehead. Even though she
respected Tai she was a bit in awe of her power. But she
wouldn't let anyone know this - not even Melysė. To admit a
weakness, even to her heart mate, would allow someone to take
advantage and cause great harm.

"She apologizes for not advising us about the mist. Lukos
leaves tonight and she needs a diversion to keep Grabthar here
and not advancing on us until she and Myrlion can get here to
help fight," explained Melysė.

"Myrlion? Are we talking about that old wizard from
Britannia that we met a while ago?" asked Xena. "What
on earth could he do to help."

"Apparently, a lot from what Tai has told me. It
seems he is an immortal. This is what he does for humanity,"
said Melysė her eyes fixed on the field ahead of them. "It
looks like they will be here for tonight. I don't feel we need to
worry until tomorrow morning. Let's let Gabrielle and Arynė know
what is going on."

They both nudged their horses towards the village lodge. In
the distance they heard another great roar emanate from the mist.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back in Meg's Tavern Myrlion was pacing back and forth.
"How can she be so stubborn at a time like this? Did you not
teach her responsibility along with her powers, Hera?"

Mikala stood in front of him patiently listening to his
tirade. "Myrlion, I have given her all of the training you
requested of me. Even Zeus had no idea that I was training her
for this battle. She has a great sense of responsibility, but she
also has a great love of her family. Tai would never
willingly sacrifice others for her own benefit. Besides you were
to train her. She is after all, your daughter."

"I was called away to another battle," replied
Myrlion. "But that is unimportant now. What is important is
for us to convince her to fight Grabthar once again."

"When did she fight him before?"

"Tai has always fought him," Myrlion said
thoughtfully. She fights him now, though she does not realize it.
It is what keeps her from Melysė's village. It has suddenly
occurred to me that the battle has already begun and I do not
think she is really aware of it. Quickly, Hera, we must go to Tai's
cottage, I fear what is happening. If she doesn't understand we
might lose this battle and all will be lost."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tai was quietly meditating in her sleep chamber when
both Mikala and Myrlion appeared. "Must you always enter my
home this way, Father. I do have a front door."

"Tai, where are Lukos and the children?" asked
Mikala.

"I sent them away for awhile. Actually, I sent them to
Atlantis for safety. Do not worry, Father. They are at the time
long before the fall. I told Lukos all and he understands what I
did to send him back. He will make sure the children are safe. I
was thinking about Grabthar and the battle I am fighting. I have
always fought him, haven't I?"

"Yes, Daughter. The last time you battled was when you
ran from your duties as a child and lived on the ocean with
Dolphinium. You eventually returned all the more strong. We must
go and meet your sister at her home. They will be waiting."

"Time is fluid and can be folded. Waiting will never be a
real problem for me," said Tai suddenly aware of her
real power. "Come 'Lysė needs us. Grabthar has
decided that the mist I surrounded his camp with is nothing more
than an illusion."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The three apparated and appeared outside of Melysė's cottage.
Melysė ran out to hug her nykel, "Sister! How I have
missed you!" Xena followed holding out her arm to grasp Tai's.

"It is good of you to come, Tai. Thanks."

"I had to come, Xena. This is my fight," Tai
said quickly. "Grabthar is nothing more than a test from the
gods to see if I am willing to sacrifice all for the sake of the
earth. They have been training me since they found that Merlin is
my father and one of his kind. Lukos and the children were all
part of their show, weren't they Hera?"

"Hera?" cried Xena.

Hera quickly assumed her normal faēade. "I have been
with Tai since the beginning as a favor to Tai's
mother. I was nykel with Astraea and could not let her
daughter fall into any harm. Merlin assumes it was because of his
place as an immortal that I took care and nurtured Tai
through all. But Tai is quite correct, this is her fight
and hers alone. I know, Xena, that you, Melysė, Gabrielle, and
your tribe want to help, however, Taiytelata must stand on her
own to take her rightful place among the immortals of
Earth."

"You did not answer me, Hera. Did you put Lukos into my
life through that disease that almost killed Melysė? Does he
truly love me or is this a trick of Aphrodite?"

"No, Tai. Lukos truly loves you. I would never have
gone that far. You were Astraea's daughter. I do have some
integrity," Hera answered.

"I just wanted to be clear on this. That is all. Father,
you had to know that this was one more battle for me to fight to
show my true heart. I ask you now - did I pass?" Tai
asked holding her breath.

"Not yet, Daughter. The gods are happy with you, but you
still need to put Grabthar in his place. No one but you can do
that," answered Myrlion.

Tai slowly let out her breath looked at them turned and
disappeared.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tai appeared on a hill just outside the enemy's
encampment. With a wave of her hand the mist that shrouded the
camp disappeared. Her gray-green eyes narrowed and her brow
furrowed as she looked on Grabthar's treatment of his men. The
whole of the camp was filthy, raw sewage was running parallel
with the tents. The stench of the place was almost overwhelming.
She saw, in her mind's eye, Grabthar torturing an Amazon that he
had captured. Stunned she saw that it was Arynė. What was she
doing here? How was she taken? Was this a trick? Immediately, she
put up mind blocks to keep Melysė out of her thoughts. Tai
needed all of her concentration to release her without Grabthar's
knowledge. She sent a message to him that there was a problem at
the farthest most part of his camp. A deserter had been captured.

After she made sure he was gone, Tai disappeared from
the hill and reappeared beside Arynė. Her lovely face was matted
with blood, her hair lank, her head bowed. Tai's eyes
filled with tears. "Arynė," whispered Tai.
"It is your tanti Tai. Can you hear me,
sweeting?"

Arynė tried to lift her head, her lips were swollen and she
could barely speak. "Tanti Tai? How . . .
why?" Silently tears fell down upon Arynė's bruised cheeks.

"Ryn, listen to me very carefully. I am going to
assess the damage. It will hurt. Do not cry out for any reason. I
know that seems silly of me to say, but even Amazon's can cry out
in anguish. Will you concentrate on something in the room to
focus your attention while I assess the harm that creature has
evoked on you?"

"Ye . . . s, tanti," whispered Arynė. She
tried to look around the room, but her strength left her. So she
focused on the garnet crystal hanging from her aunt's neck.

Tai placed her hands on Ryn trying to get a feel
for the damage. She nearly wept with the pain she felt emanating
from her niece. The injuries were too great for her to heal all
at once. All of a sudden she heard a roar coming from the tent
where she sent the demon. "Ryn, I am going to give you
the strength you need to travel with your meia. I do not
have the time to heal you all at once. Grabthar is coming back. I
am going to send to your mother and have her come and take you
away from here." Tai quickly put her hands back on
Ryn, a glow emanating from them surrounding her fallen
niece. Ryn's breathing became less a struggle and more
strong as Tai worked. When Tai realized that Ryn
was calmer she sent a message to Melysė. "Tell no one.
Ryn is here with me. Come, now"

Melysė suddenly appeared in the tent. She saw her daughter
and caught her breath, swaying as if to faint. Tai looked
at 'Lyse. "She'll be all right. You must get her back to the
village, now. Grabthar is coming. I've given her the strength to
apparate with you." Tai walked over to Melysė and
said more softly, "I'm sorry to be short, Lysė, she
will recover. Please go now. Do not let Xena come for revenge. If
I need her I'll send for her. Please, sister go now before it is
too late."

"I cannot leave you to face this creature alone, Tai.
Let us face him together. That is what sisters do."

"I wish I could, Lysė, but . . . he is all that is
evil in me."

"What?" cried out Melysė.

"When I left the tribe to be a recluse, I left all of my
warrior instincts behind. Grabthar is a collector of those
aspects of human souls."

"You would never have hurt Ryn. This cannot be,
sister."

"No, I wouldn't have. But Grabthar would. He knew just
where to strike to wound me. I kept Lukos and the children safe
by sending them back in time where I was still a true Amazon with
warrior instincts. Grabthar didn't have a hold over me there. I
didn't think that he would strike those you love. I am sorry. It
is my fault Ryn is so hurt. I will of course attend to her
when I return from this battle. Now I ask you to go. I cannot ask
you to forgive my shortsightedness," said Tai.

Melysė sighed, started to reach for her nykel, then
went over to her daughter, and disappeared.

Tai looked back at where they were, tears streaming down
her cheeks. "I am so sorry 'Lysė. Please forgive
me." Tai left the tent only to find that Grabthar was
standing right outside.

"So, you have decided to be a warrior after all
Taiytelata. How did you know I had your warrior's soul?"
crowed Grabthar.

"I knew it as soon as I saw who you chose to torture.
Ryn is my oath sister's first daughter and a true warrior.
In a way, I suppose, you felt that it would be a slap in my face
to choose a warrior to harm. You knew that I would trade my own
life for another's. I am here now to take back that which you
stole." Tai said her shoulders squared, standing
proudly.

"I didn't steal anything, Queen Taiyte . . la . .
.ta," sneered Grabthar. "You gave it to me on a silver
platter. I just happen to recognize quality when I see it. As to
giving it back. I'm afraid you will have to fight me. Or do you
not have the will?"

"I have the will, Grabthar. I had it when I was ten years
of age, and I have it now," Tai retorted. Saying that
she lifted up her hands and shot off a bolt of energy that sent
Grabthar flying into the next tent. As his warriors were closing
in on her, she summoned her powers, lifted her right arm and sent
them away as if she was swatting an insect.

"Your powers have grown, majesty. But I am
stronger."

"No, I don't think so." Tai said. She turned
her back on him and called on Xena, Gabrielle, Melysė, Merlin,
and Hera. They appeared next to her. "Yes, it is my fight.
It is also my right to have warriors at my side to help me if I
deem it necessary. Are you ready to fight me now, Grabthar?"

Grabthar stopped, suddenly smiled and shot what looked like a
bolt of energy into Taiytelata. It pushed her back into Merlin.

"It's about time you discovered that, Tai. I was
wondering what it would take to get you to realize that you
cannot do everything by yourself nor desert your duties" The
voice was Dolphinium's. "Welcome back to the fold."
With that Grabthar changed into Lukos.

"Lukos? Lukos what is going on?" cried
Tai in total bewilderment.

"Tai, I am sorry for the deception. But you see,
Hekate, Hera, your father, and your sister were worried that you
were sinking into the abyss of depression and self-doubt. They
needed you to fulfill your destiny as a healer and an
immortal." Explained Lukos.

"But . . . have you always been this way?" asked Tai

"Yes, I am an immortal as well, Tai. It is unusual
for two such people to connect in a human lifetime. But when I
saw you there on the beach when you were small, I knew that you
and I were meant to be. I was young then myself. Myrlion was my
teacher and I was experimenting with shape shifting. Luckily for
me you happened on me to treat my wounds. Myrlion was fighting a
battle and could not be there to help me."

"But what about the morning after you arrived. I was
speaking with Dolphinium then." Asked Tai confused
still.

"That was Jasmine. She is one of the pod. I sent her a
message to pretend to be me in dolphin form. I can send messages
like you telepathically." Explained Lukos.

"What about Arynė? You hurt her to make a point. I
cannot forgive that." Said Tai angrily.

"She was never hurt, Tai. It was an illusion to
further our goal. We would have never hurt her."

Tai turned to look at the others. They were all smiling.
Melysė came forward to hug her sister. "Tai welcome
home. You have been missed."

"You were a part of this Lysė? How come I never
felt or heard your plottings?"

"I, too, can block thoughts, Tai. I knew you could
never be whole unless both your soft heart and your warrior
spirit were one once again." Said Melysė.

"All of this time . . . you didn't come to see me Lukos
and you could have." Said Tai with a hurt expression.

"My love, I was with you every time you swam with
Dolphinium. I've never been away from you, truly. I had to
sacrifice my time with you to fight those same battles as your
father. They will be your battles, too."

"Do you want to be a part of this, Daughter?" asked
her father.

"Yes," said Tai quietly. "I know now that
I cannot hide what I am. When I saw Ryn' there in pain and
agony, my warrior's spirit rose up naturally. For the good of all
and their safety I see that I want to be there again. My children
will be taught how to fight evil not hide from it as I did. But I
do not want to give up my healing, and I think Amelea makes an
excellent leader of our tribe. I do not want to lead however,
when called upon, I will serve."

Hekate appeared. "My Daughter that is all we ask of you.
I am happy you are one." Kissing Tai's forehead the
Goddess turned her head to the others. "Thank you all for
your help. I leave you now to continue your fight." With
that she disappeared.

Tai looked at Lukos really for the first time.
"Lukos, does that mean we have eternity together?"

"Yes, my heart, yes. Can you live with me that
long?" asked Lukos with a little concern in his face.

"Well, I should be extremely vexed with you. Why couldn't
you just tell me all of this?" asked Tai. "I'm
pretty good at listening."

"Oh Tai," laughed Melysė. "You wouldn't
have listened. You have to be hit over the head with a stunt like
this to listen."

"Don't be too hard on her," said Gabrielle. I know
someone who that had to happen to and look at the results."
She said looking at Xena.

"What are you looking at?" growled Xena with a
smile. "Looks like we are more alike than I thought, Tai.
Good thing, too."

"Thanks, sister." Said Tai smiling back
at Xena. "I think a party is in order, don't you? Lukos, I'm
assuming the children are with a reputable nanny?"

"Of course. They are with Meg."

"Meg? Oh no!" laughed Tai "We'll be
listening to drinking songs for the next moon.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That night Tai and Lukos were standing in the back area
of her cottage looking out over the sea watching Dolphinium's pod
dancing across the water. Lukos put his arms around Tai and
whispered, "An eternity to love, Tai, just think of
it."

Tai leaned back into the shelter of his arms,
"There is no need to think, my heart, just to be."